Our Irish dulcimer is so named for its unique Celtic knot sound hole rosette derived from a photo by our daughter Ayden at an 11th Century monastery in Ennis, Ireland. Each rosette is relief carved by hand, delicately interweaving continuous strands through a solid black walnut veneer.  The back of the instrument is inlayed with a repeating Celtic cross pattern.  The standard woods used are walnut for the bookmatched sides and back; walnut fretboard, tailpiece and headstock; and book-matched Western red cedar top. 

The mountain (or lap) dulcimer originated in the Appalachian mountains by the Scotch-Irish settlers and is considered to be a distinctly American instrument. However, it may also be regarded as having Celtic roots, since it was born from Scotch-Irish immigrants. The alluring features of drone strings and a diatonic scale may have been instrumental in its creation by this musically gifted group of people.  In many respects, its musical structure mimics that of a bagpipe.

The Irish dulcimer is distinctly different, almost lute-like, in tonal quality.  This unique sound is attributed to its broad chamber, Irish bouzouki inner bracing, and fretboard separation at the soundhole, allowing the top to vibrate more freely.

Standard Model Specifications:

2-1/4" x 8" x 43"

Grover gold-plated in-line planetary geared tuning pegs